Numbers 18:9
This shall be thine of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every oblation of theirs, every meat offering of theirs and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, shall be most holy for thee and for thy sons.
Numbers 18:9 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse from the Bible, it is conveyed that certain offerings to God are considered most holy and are reserved from being burned on the altar. The verse specifies various types of offerings, including oblations, meat offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings. These offerings are set apart as sacred and are to be treated with the utmost reverence. They are not to be consumed or used for any other purpose but are reserved solely for God and his chosen priests. By designating these offerings as most holy, God is emphasizing the importance of purity and devotion in the act of making offerings to Him. The verse serves as a reminder of the sacred nature of worship and the need for offerings to be made with sincerity and reverence. It also highlights the significance of the role of priests in facilitating these offerings and ensuring they are carried out in accordance with God's commandments.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Leviticus, the phrase "most holy things" refers to offerings that were set apart specifically for the priests and their families. These offerings were to be reserved from the fire, meaning that they were not to be burned like other sacrifices but were to be consumed by the priests instead. The term "oblation" refers to a voluntary gift or offering made to God, while "meat offering" typically consisted of grain or bread. The sin offering and trespass offering were sacrifices made to atone for sins committed unintentionally or through negligence. By designating these offerings as "most holy," God emphasized their sacredness and importance. The priests and their sons were to treat these offerings with the utmost reverence and care, recognizing them as set apart for God's purposes. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of these offerings and the role of the priests in carrying out God's commands.
Numbers 18:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
This shall be thine of the most holy things, [reserved] from the fire: every oblation of theirs, even every meal-offering of theirs, and every sin-offering of theirs, and every trespass-offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, shall be most holy for thee and for thy sons.
World English Bible
This shall be yours of the most holy things from the fire: every offering of theirs, even every meal offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render to me, shall be most holy for you and for your sons.
Douay-Rheims
These therefore shalt thou take of the things that are sanctified, and are offered to the Lord. Every offering, and sacrifice, and whatsoever is rendered to me for sin and for trespass, and becometh holy of holies, shall be for thee and thy sons.
Geneva Bible (1599)
This shalbe thine of the most holy things, reserued from the fire: all their offering of all their meate offring, and of all their sinne offring, and of all their trespasse offring, which they bring vnto me, that shalbe most holy vnto thee, and to thy sonnes.